“Your Networth is your network” - Saul David

The DFW Metroplex is lucky enough to have a wide variety of Professional Networking opportunities. It also means we must be super choosy as there are only so many hours in a week. We all have deadlines and metrics to meet so finding effective ways to meet potential business prospects is essential. In this article we will LEARN about the various types of events one might hope to find; We will CONNECT you with various local professional networking opportunities. Lastly, we will SHARE a list of all these various groups.

A healthy rotation of event opportunities will typically yield great results. They say the secret to success is hidden in your daily routine, and success in networking is no exception. Although the routine may be more of a weekly, monthly, or quarterly rotation.  Networking is a lot like friendships; New is great but old is best.

As the saying goes, out of sight out of mind. Thus, to achieve TOMA or Top of mind awareness means you need to be present. However, the entire reason you are here is to build business relationships and with any success your time will become increasingly in demand. More times than not it will be the visitors of any particular group who make better clients than the other members. This is why it is important to build strong relationships with other members as they are oftentimes representing your interests.

Like all organizations, leadership is paramount. A group will typically resemble its leadership to an extent so often a board is best. Beware of groups with lots of rules. Rules are great in theory but enforcing them can require some finesse. There are lots of options when it comes to networking both virtually and in person. Finding the right group can take some time and is not always obvious at first.

Your Schedule will typically be a large factor in which groups you choose to consider. What types of groups you like to attend will also play a large part in which groups you continue to give your time. So, what types of Groups are you interested in?

Our breakdown has four main categories.  

1. Time and Regularity- How often does the event occur and what time of day are the main variables here. For example: Breakfast Groups, Luncheons, Happy Hours or Mixers are all fairly obvious times of day but are they weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even annual?

2. Types and Terms - There are a ton of different formats for fellowship LCS is very unique and intends to be a hybrid of several types. For example: Professional Development Groups, Industry Lead Groups and Referral Groups each have a unique purpose. Some groups are free to attend, and some require fees or donations. Some groups are exclusive and remain closed to seats that are filled while others have open membership. 

3. B2B or B2C - Some groups make no distinction while others are rigid in this regard. Who are you serving with your products or services? Is it other businesses or is it the end user? Are you B2B or B2C or could you be both?

4. Community or Commerce - Not all networking is for profits. Some organizations make huge impacts in their communities and even globally with their networks. Community service makes up a substantial portion of this vertical. Largely composed of volunteer groups who are part of a non profit outfit serving a specific need or purpose. 

   

   Below are some of the various groups we wanted to highlight.
   
   Toastmasters- Is an international organization focused on helping professionals become better at speaking in public. The group I attend is a weekly professional development group that has quarterly fees for membership. toastmasters Int

   Lions Club- Is an international organization whose purpose is to serve. The group I attend is a weekly community group that has an annual fee. Lions Club Int

   Rotary Club - Another international organization whose motto is driven to action.
   This is a community group that has a fee for membership. Rotary Club

   BNI - This is a professional business referral group. These are weekly, can be either online or in person and focus on relationship building and marketing. There is a fee and regular attendance is required. www.bni.com
   
   Net Work Success - Meets every Tuesday at Olive Garden in NRH and is a professional networking luncheon sponsored by the NTCOC that is free to attend. https://app.netarrant.org

   Toast Tuesdays - This is a bi-weekly networking mixer in Keller with several COC’s sponsorships hosted by Deluxe Roofing.  https://www.facebook.com/toasttuesday/

   Peak Performers - Is a weekly Wednesday breakfast group in Watauga. This group is industry specific and does have a fee for membership.  Peak Performers FB

   Alignable Alliance - This is a Networking App that connects and aligns you with North Texas Businesses and owners at monthly MeetUps and Social Events in and around DFW. It is free to join, events can be in person or virtual and some or free while others have dues. https://www.alignable.com/

   Mid Market Professionals - This is a free and open monthly B2B happy hour mixer that meets on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday afternoon in various DFW locations. https://midmarketprofessionals.com/

   Synergy North Tarrant - This is an inclusive networking group that meets weekly in Lake Worth and NRH. They also have a Saginaw location that meets every 1st and 3rd Fridays. https://app.netarrant.org

   Business Over Breakfast - This is a Monthly professional development group that meets at Woodforest National Bank HQ in NRH the second Friday of each month.
   https://app.netarrant.org

   1 Million cups- Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. www.1millioncups.com

   

   These are just a few of the many possibilities we have here in DFW to network professionally. There are countless more and please feel free to add your favorites in the comments below. Also please keep in mind, if your group did not make our list, it was not intentional. We try hard to be inclusive, but time and space are finite, and we only have so much bandwidth. Remember we are here to advocate for each other, promote local business and make an impact in our community.  Feel free to join us every 2nd Friday for lunch in Keller.